Strategic alliance creates new opportunities in research and education, raising aspirations for sport and education across Birmingham.
(Left to right) Meg Austin (current student), Sam Hain, and Jordan Thompson
The University of Birmingham and Warwickshire County Cricket Club have announced a new partnership to develop research and education opportunities, and further raise the West Midlands’ local and global ambitions.
Uniting academic expertise and sporting excellence to expand research, education, talent development and skills enhancement, the strategic partnership reinforces a shared ambition to break down barriers to cricket and education. It will support more opportunities for young people across the West Midlands - nurturing talent regardless of background.
Professor Deborah Longworth, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education at the University of Birmingham, said: “As the Official University Partner of Warwickshire County Cricket Club, this partnership reflects the University of Birmingham's deep commitment to the region, and our belief that education and sport share the power to transform lives.
“As a top ten institution in the world for sport, we are proud that this partnership embodies the values at the heart of everything we do. From grassroots participation to elite performance, our collaboration supports the development of excellence and character in sport.”
The collaboration will support research and innovation, drawing on the University’s expertise in sports science and data science to enhance performance across Warwickshire’s men’s and women’s teams. It will also create opportunities for student placements, student and graduate skills, applied learning and community engagement.
Ranked among the top 10 institutions globally for sport in the latest QS World University Rankings, the University has an impressive cricketing heritage, including the honorary graduation of England international Chris Woakes in 2022. It is committed to supporting sport at every level - from elite athletes through its Elite Dual Career Athlete Pathway (EDCAP) sport scholarships to opportunities for wider participation - ensuring sport is accessible and inclusive. Students Amu Surenkumar and Meg Austin, both of whom are EDCAP scholars, currently play in the Warwickshire women's cricket team.
As a top ten institution in the world for sport, we are proud that this partnership embodies the values at the heart of everything we do. From grassroots participation to elite performance, our collaboration supports the development of excellence and character in sport.
The multi-year partnership brings together two institutions with strong local ties and a shared commitment to supporting communities through sport and education. Through the University’s support, cricket will become more accessible and inclusive. All players on the Warwickshire Pathway will receive free playing kit and pay no programme fees, removing financial barriers to participation.
Warwickshire County Cricket Club's Youth Pathway (U10–U18) is a well-established talent development system designed to identify and develop future professional players, producing first-team players including Dan Mousley, Hamza Shaikh and Taz Ali.
The University of Birmingham logo will appear on the sleeve of all Warwickshire kits from the 2026 season. The partnership will also support wider collaboration across student experience and community programmes, further strengthening the role of both organisations in supporting sport, education and opportunity across the West Midlands.
Professor Deborah Longworth added: “By funding the Pathway playing kit, we are proud to support emerging talent, help remove barriers to participation, and support the delivery of the most inclusive pathway. We hope every young person on the Pathway feels a strong sense of belonging and confidence in what they can achieve, and we look forward to seeing them thrive.“
Warwickshire County Cricket Club welcomes the partnership as a significant step forward in enhancing accessibility and providing best-in-class development opportunities for young cricketers.
James Thomas, Performance Director at Warwickshire County Cricket Club, said: “Removing financial barriers to access sport and education is a critical step in making sure every talented young cricketer in our region has a genuine opportunity to fulfil their potential. This partnership with the University of Birmingham will make a meaningful difference to our Pathway by providing players with the support, kit and expertise they need to thrive.
“The added benefit of the University’s strength in performance sport and data science will further enhance our high-performance environment, and we’re hugely excited by what this can deliver.”
Proudly rooted in one of the UK's most vibrant and diverse cities, the University is a global institution with a continued commitment to its city. Through strategic partnerships with Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Birmingham City Football Club, Yonex All England Open Badminton Championships and Birmingham Royal Ballet, the University continues to develop opportunities for research, education and the City of Birmingham.
University of Birmingham and Warwickshire County Cricket Club logos
For more information, please contact the University of Birmingham cooms team at pressoffice@contacts.bham.ac.uk. You can also contact the press office on +44 (0) 121 414 2772.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education)
Biographical and contact information for Professor Deborah Longworth in the Department of English at the University of Birmingham.
